Askar 103APO Review After Four Months

In this video, I go over the features and performance of the Askar 103APO telescope. It's a triplet apochromatic refractor telescope with a focal length of 700mm.
You can get one here: agenaastro.com/askar-103apo-t...
1x Flattener: agenaastro.com/askar-1x-full-...
.8 Reducer: agenaastro.com/askar-0-8x-ful...
.6 Reducer:agenaastro.com/askar-0-6x-ful...
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[@timK0WTB]

Perfect timing. I was just ordering this telescope and I have the same 6D that I’m going to eventually convert for astrophotography. Your review is perfectly timed and on-point for me. Thank you!

[@Si-fp2ij]

Great review Walt I’ve had the 120 APO since Christmas and love it Cheers Simon

[@Wheeljack678]

The entertainment-value of your videos is as good as the informational and educational value.

[@michaeljarvis4612]

Thanks for the very helpful review.

[@mdnt_]

First I've seen your channel and wanted to say this was a great video. I appreciate the balance of entertainment and information more than I can say. I just got my Askar 103 last week and haven't had much of a chance to test it out yet, thanks to the terrible weather here but hoping to get out there soon. It's a big upgrade from my ZenithStar 61 and I'm excited to have double the focal length. I also picked up the 0.6x reducer for some fast imaging and versatility. Happy to see that the stars are pretty awesome at the edges even with a large sensor.

[@scorpianspirit5124]

I just received mine today with all three accessories and I am impressed with the quality of the scope and the reducers. I'm really excited about this purchase. My other scope is an 8 inch Edge HD and I was actually looking for less focal length and a wider field, and the nice part about this scope is it's like getting three scopes in one. I will also enjoy visual observing while using the ASIair for assisting EAA. Great stuff, I'm happy with this one ! Cheers from the high desert in Utah.

[@deltaastrophotography]

I'm getting such good results from mine. I haven't tried the reducers yet, but I saw they have a few problems but nothing serious. I hope you enjoy it for years to come. Also I'm trying to make it out to Utah in May!

[@scorpianspirit5124]

@@deltaastrophotography Very good, I'm just SE of Moab in Spanish Valley, and you are welcome to look me up if your out this direction. I have only just revived my interest after about a ten year break. I am excited to see how the tech has come so far in that time, the ASIair almost feels like cheating compared to my setup I had before. It was one of the reasons it got me back into the hobby. Now if we can just catch a break with the weather ! ;-)

[@haoEthan-nb5uy]

@@deltaastrophotography Cooperation Proposal from Move Shoot Move.

[@viewintospace]

Great review and very encouraging!!!! I just received mine with all three flatters/reducers - so someone else making some videos about it 😉

[@unslimshady764]

Dopest channel bro. I cant sfford expensive stuff so i gotta know from here how sky looks. Good work haha

[@seventhsun1]

Nice to see you again dude! Great review and pictures!

[@deltaastrophotography]

January-March is always a rough time for me. It's good to be back!

[@haoEthan-nb5uy]

@@deltaastrophotography Cooperation Proposal from Move Shoot Move.

[@nicholasjaworski9368]

I’m going to buying my first askar soon so excited

[@JBaldy62]

This review is so sweet... My very first documentary on Space Pipes!

[@mjsweeps]

Congratulations on your new scope! Very nice video Walt and Thank You for all your other awesome video's! I just bought the Askar 120 with 2 reducers. My first real telescope. I only have a canon 5d marklll, but I haven't had any little star trails in the corners yet. Hope you do a few more video's with this scope and have a great day!!

[@deltaastrophotography]

It will be my main scope for the rest of the year so I'm sure there will be more. I would like to hear more about the 120!

[@haoEthan-nb5uy]

@@deltaastrophotography Cooperation Proposal from Move Shoot Move.

[@GediAstro]

What a difference a telescope and astro camera does huh :) Congrats on your new scope! I'm doing the same as you but backwards - just got the RedCat51 WIFD. It's gonna be brilliant on the AM5 ;)

[@RobPauza]

Nice job! I went with the ZWO FF107, but kind of have my eye on the Askar 185. 👍

[@StarlancerAstro]

I love my 103, I sold a Stellarvue 103 and replaced it with the Askar and it's every bit as good. I really love the focuser as well, autofocus runs are perfect every time.

[@deltaastrophotography]

This might be my permanent rig for the next year or so, so I think I might try an EAF with it!

[@VegasC63]

I have this scope with all the attachments. I use a full frame Nikon Z5. But I shoot using the M54 option with an Askar t-ring adapter. This allows for a true full frame image. My stars in the corners are a bit better because of this. I do have a bit of vignetting in the corners. Overall I love the flexibility this system provides. I also traded out the dovetail for an Askar 300mm losmandy base more stable in my mount. Great video!

[@deltaastrophotography]

Oh sweet! I rarely shoot full frame, but that M54 option sounds like a good idea. Thanks for the info!

[@sebmaccphoto]

Great to see you again Walt & interesting video. We've had pretty much constant overcast skies since December (Brisbane, Australia) so we get our fix off KZbin.

[@deltaastrophotography]

It's been rough here too. So much rain!

[@haoEthan-nb5uy]

@@deltaastrophotography Cooperation Proposal from Move Shoot Move.

[@williamshipp4280]

I’m assuming the ED glass is FPL 51? Seems like a very nice scope. I have a WO FLT91 and I can see the difference in the stars between FPL 51 and FPL 53. I absolutely understand the cost factor and how the Askar scopes can help promote this hobby.

[@craiglowery4427]

Nice video Walt. What size refractor would I need to resolve some of the planets for EAA

[@jacobgerritsenfilms3559]

I think that the coma appearance of your stars in the corners is simply from not enough back spacing. I had a similar problem on my AP 130 which was completely fixed by adding a 24 mm spacer that came with the ZWO camera kit. Correct backspacing is a trial and error thing.

[@GodfatherAstro]

I have the 103 with the 1x and the .8 reducer. I have really been enjoying it.

[@deltaastrophotography]

How does the .8 perform for you? I'm not really that interested in the .6 because I don't want to take my telescope apart.

[@GodfatherAstro]

@@deltaastrophotography it has been good. I did notice the weird star points like you showed. I am using the 1x for galaxy season as soon as the moon goes away. I agree I have no intention of taking mine apart either. Lol. Clear skies my friend

[@user-io3pg2hg1f]

hello, i am watching your video in korea, and the explanation is very helpful for me, so i started subscribe your channel. I recently bought and wating askar 103apo telescope and celestron avx mount, hope that my telecope and mount work very well for first astrophotograpy. Thank you.

[@hashtaglobotomy2655]

I'm running a t5 and seeing that is pretty wild. Never had a lens like that but had a few others and had a somewhat similar experience. That's not bad at all

[@jeffstover9579]

I bought this scope about 6 months ago and love it. I only got the 1x reducer. I have not notice ant comet tails in the corners so this might just be from scope to scope. Who knows. Anyway, nice review.

[@Chorge1972]

Ordered!!! 🤩

[@deltaastrophotography]

Nice! Let me know how you like it! It's definitely my favorite telescope I've ever bought at the moment.

[@Chorge1972]

@@deltaastrophotography it was really a huge yes or no decision. Currently I use a TS Optics APO 80 Douplet with FPL-53/Lanthan Glas. Together with an adjustable 0.8 Reducer, it delivers really good results! But I want to get a bit deeper. My AM3 can’t handle more that a 103 APO, and I don’t want all that trouble with Newtonians (I always drive by car and build up everything every night). So I was torn between the 102 version of my 80 TS-Optics, because the reducer would fit -> a total cost reduction of about 500€ vs the ASKAR 103 with a native 0.8 ASKAR reducer. But overall I think, I HOPE, that the ASKAR will be worth the extra money….

[@framed-tales]

I have been phototographing with the Askar APO 103 since last October. Weather hasn't been nice but I have really got fantastic data so far. Only processed one 2*2 mosaic of M31. Very pleased with the scope but ASI533 MC Pro is pushing it on 0.8x reducer flattener along with iOptron CEM26. I can get good round stars with 180s subexposure max in Bortle 6/7 backyard in NorCal.

[@deltaastrophotography]

I'm so happy to hear other people are having good experiences with this scope. It blows my mind it's not getting more attention

[@framed-tales]

@@deltaastrophotography it's better to be underrated so that more people can afford it. Remember what happened with your Skywatcher EQ6R Pro. It was $1599 in 2019....then the demand increased its price

[@deltaastrophotography]

@@framed-tales Oh man good point! That thing jumped way up!

[@craiglowery4427]

Perfect video Walt. I was thinking of a Sky Watcher 80mm but what heck. An ASKAR looks like a better solution. On a different note, we are driving from Colorado to Dallas for the eclipse. Are you planning a solar adventure

[@deltaastrophotography]

I might be driving over to Hot Springs, Arkansas to visit with friends if the weather is decent. I might consider driving to Texas if I have to.

[@fiorinidaniele]

Any experience with ZWO2600mc duo camera? Does the comet trail effect noted affect the guiding perfomance of the second image sensor of the duo?

[@malanstecker]

What do the corner stars look like with full frame and crop sensor camera with the 0.6x reducer?

[@daviddahlke3293]

I purchased a 103 and am using it with a HEM 27 and a Sony A6000. I bought the 8 focal reducer. Stars are pinpoint . I use a WO bahtinov mask sized for the unit. My entire rig weighs 17 pounds.

[@deltaastrophotography]

I use a bahtinov mask as well. I love the fact that I hardly ever have to focus much. It seems to retain focus very well even after sitting around for a month. Just a few fine adjustments is all I ever need.

[@joelsweatman1503]

I bought the Askar120 APO and love it but was looking at this one as well. Chose the longer focal length and haven't looked back.

[@deltaastrophotography]

What's the focal length of that one? I know I can just look it up but it's just nice asking a real person 😂

[@mikehardy8247]

The 120 is 840mm, f7. I also have the 120 with 1.0 X! Galaxy Season is the reason. I had it under the stars a few hours. I wasn't prepared for this beasts size. I also got an AM5. My 360mm Doublet on a SW SA GTI, is dwarfed by it.

[@deltaastrophotography]

@@mikehardy8247 Yeah I have a C11 that I've been using for Galaxy Season, but it's just a bit too much. I like these refractors a lot better.

[@NatarajanGanesan]

You certainly need a comedic element when you even start taking that that white piece out for the 0.6 reducer. Great review.

[@deltaastrophotography]

I don't know if you noticed my death stare when removing the focuser, but I'm not a fan of taking my telescope apart. I'll probably pass on the .6 reducer for a while.

[@NatarajanGanesan]

@@deltaastrophotography yup I do notice those too. These funny things, in a relevant way, make your reviews more engaging and interesting

[@noypi75]

Hi. Must have missed it, did you use a .8 flattener for 6d?

[@nikaxstrophotography]

Great review and I love your video style

[@deltaastrophotography]

Thank you!

[@marvinwhisman3333]

I just purchased the APO 103 along with flattener and the .8 flatter/reducer. Having used all of the flattener/reducers would you recommend the .6 reducer as an option considering the amount of work to install and uninstall it?

[@shreyaskanetkar4697]

I would love to get everyone’s thoughts on if Askar 103 will be a good fit with the strain wave mounts like AM5 or the yet to be released SW 150i ?

[@SilverLoggerhead]

❤❤❤

[@adamkingry6862]

As you know, the "comet tails" are coma, an optical aberration endemic to wide angle images that it can be remedied by using a higher focal ratio. But f/6.8 is already moderate. I suppose there wouldn't be any benefit to trying to increase that optically over just cropping the image.

[@ridearocket]

This guy definitely hits the space pipe before filming

[@deltaastrophotography]

😂😂🤣

[@Astrokhels]

I was looking at this variable fl APO for some time now. The .6 reducer produce some terrible corner stars and most from what I’ve read that the .8 reducer and flattener was acceptable. With BlurX AI 4 could correct just about any aberration and elongated stars there is while using the .6 reducer. Askar also have back focus adjusters or those plastic shims to begin with adding a few mm to the back focus. Although resolution at f4 103 aperture won’t be that sharp. But almost anything can be fixed at post. What might give me a go in getting this refractor is due for its budget price tag and my time to use it if I’m adding an AM5 mount in the mix. Practically a new field setup that’s portable enough. Great review!

[@deltaastrophotography]

I actually went over BlurX while making this video but in the end cut it out. I wanted to show what the telescope could do without processing. I've seen where the reducers don't perform as great, but nothing BlurX can't handle.

[@Astrokhels]

Absolutely excellent pointing that out. People would know exactly what they are getting.

[@miguelmorales9667]

Do you play the Flute?

[@RahilSethi]

What do you think about Askar V? I'm more inclined to that. Get multiple scopes with one module.

[@deltaastrophotography]

That one was very high on my list. But in the end I really wanted the 700mm focal length. It was a choice between the Askar V with a max of 600mm at f/7.5 or The 103 with a max of 700 at f/6.8.

[@earthling-fh2mg]

Walt, I don’t know if you already have a fix for your comet tailed stars, if you want to keep as much of the frame as possible, but Siril has a dynamic PSF feature which fixes any and all stars which have roundness issues. Similarly, it desaturates the stars extremely well also.

[@johnsmith-rd9rr]

Siril is a DOWNGRADE from Pixinsight

[@deltaastrophotography]

Oooo! I will try that out for sure! Especially for saturated stars. I never shoot deep sky with a full frame camera, but I'm still interested to see what it does with stars. Thank you!

[@BigBadLoneWolf]

I went for the 120 APO with the .8 reducer /flattener. Got first light on it at the weekend and I am over the moon with the performance. side note, I had to get an extension for the counterweight bar to achieve balance

[@deltaastrophotography]

Hell yeah! Glad you are enjoying it as much as I am with the 103. How much does the 120 weigh? I'm able to balance the scope with one counterweight if I don't have any accessories. The second I add a camera, guide scope, and the ASIAIR I have to add a second counter weight.

[@BigBadLoneWolf]

@@deltaastrophotography 6.5 kg with rings 0.8 reducer is 0.75 kg WO 50mm guide scope is 460g. I used both counter weights and extension on HEQ5pro mount, I know you use the HEQ6 mount. btw my guiding was 0.6 arc sec

[@SyriusLee]

This could be my dream telescope with 2 changes - get rid of the orange color (green, blue, purple, red, grey anyithing could be better) - 2nd: FCD 100 glasses. I would pay 50% more for this versatile scope

[@deltaastrophotography]

Oh man if this thing was green... I would never want to look at another scope again! 😂

[@EthanChappel]

Purchased an Askar 103 APO a few weeks ago and unfortunately mine had enough chromatic aberration for red stars to have a purple tinge. Saw the same issue in units purchased by two others in the last few weeks. I suspect one of the primary tradeoffs they made in getting the price lower than alternatives is loose quality control. It’s too bad mine didn’t work out because the mechanics of mine were fairly nice, especially for the price point.

[@deltaastrophotography]

Man I really hate that, but I think you are probably right. They had to have sacrificed something to get that price so low.

[@caseedwards7401]

Love this scope! 420mm f4 and 700mm f6.8. Two 4” APO scopes for $1300? With the 533mc pro there is no distortion at all. I’m not even using the flattener at native (didn’t buy it just to see how it went) and great images. Couldn’t be happier at this price point.

[@deltaastrophotography]

This is the stuff I love to hear! I don't understand why this scope is not blowing up in popularity.

[@groundhoppingwlkp3622]

11:30 You have problem with flattener distance so stars are stretched

[@joelewandowski8232]

How do you eliminate the Amp glow from the asi294 ?

[@deltaastrophotography]

Just take darks. They remove it no problem. The hard part is flats. The amp glow is really bad with exposures under five seconds, so you need to take flats that are at least five seconds and take dark flats instead of bias. Once you get used to taking long flats though it's pretty simple.

[@joelewandowski8232]

​. Thanks I'll give that a try

[@richfavinger]

I'm really ton between this 103 APO and the 80PHQ ...😩

[@jimwaters304]

Good video covering the features and optics of the 103. But I am not that impressed with the optics and variation from scope to scope.

[@AmatureAstronomer]

Nice, but too heavy for my Sky-Watcher Star Adventurer GTi.

[@deltaastrophotography]

Yeah sadly it's probably a bit much for that. You would be better off with a telephoto lens. What lens/scope are you using now?

[@mikehardy8247]

I was also using Tamron 150-600. A GTI, OTA, dedicated astro camera, asiair changed everything for the better. I knew with the Askar 120 (for me) the AM5 was part of the package. $4k in. I was going to wait to save enough, but galaxies appear small. Why wait?

[@AndersOlsen-kr4uz]

😅 Nice intro

[@hael8680]

A lot of users are getting chromatic aberration with flattener and reducer. The scopes that are reviewed by top youtubers are not the same you will get.

[@deltaastrophotography]

I got mine directly from AgenaAstro. Not seeing many problems other than coma in the corners with a full frame and the 1x flattener, but I've seen where it gets worse with the reducers. Not in a huge rush to get those anyway.

[@scottinharwood]

Oh, it's worth a crap for sure. I have had mine for 9 months now. Love to show you some of my OSC photos.

[@deltaastrophotography]

Find me on Instagram or Patreon and share away!

[@DS-iu9ut]

How you received your package is not far from the truth. What kind of guide scope and camera are you using, or what kind of guide scope and camera are you planning to use.

[@deltaastrophotography]

I've been using a ZWO ASI120mm-S and the 30mm f/4 guide scope with great results.

[@hael8680]

Just noticed the scope has pinched optics. 12:21

[@deltaastrophotography]

I was noticing that as well but didn't know what to call it. Thank you! Is there something I can loosen on a refractor to correct that?

[@hael8680]

@@deltaastrophotography if you remove the dew shield you will find 3 or 4 rows of 3 screws. 1 screw per lens. If those screws are putting pressure on the glass, it will give those spikes on brighter stars. They need to be loosen until you feel no pressure. Very little movement at a time and then test it. If you loosen them too much there is the danger of messing up the collimation. BUT BEFORE DOING THIS, I'd contact the dealer to discuss the situation and get the green light to do so.

[@hael8680]

Were you able to address the pinched stars??

[@ballashoes]

One hour later lol

[@deltaastrophotography]

If only it really worked that way 😂

[@newzerozeroone]

budg·et - adjective: Inexpensive. inexpensive - adjective - not costing a great deal; cheap. I'm tired of people in this field saying "by comparison" when calling something "budget". By comparison a Ferrari 296 GTS is budget compared a Koenigsegg Jesko but that doesn't make the Ferrari budget.

[@deltaastrophotography]

There are people out there that would find a $1200 telescope a lifelong investment. I'm one of them. It took me two years to save up that kind of money. This $1200 setup may not perform as well as a $4000 rig, but it's the best some of us can ever get. And so I'm trying to relate to the broke ass people like me. The word budget is important. It means cheap and lower quality. But what parts are low quality and is it worth buying? That's important!

[@newzerozeroone]

@deltaastrophotography I get it. Hats off. You're out there doing it and making videos to help people like myself (I have a more budget-ier scope the SV48p). My point was every time I see someone call out the use of the term budget for a piece of equipment that's several hundred or thousand dollars the counter argument is always "this hobby isn't cheap" or "it's alot less than the alternative". I'll admit I made my comment while the beginning of the video was still playing and in fairness you did address the price and call it a very expensive telescope. Either way congrats on the new scope and thanks for making the content you do.